Note To Our Readers

Mission Possible

Missouri is known for its diversity of landscape features. Ozark mountains, glaciated plains and floodplains along the nation’s two mightiest rivers are just a few examples of the variety found within our state. These landscapes support the many habitat types and associated forest, fish and wildlife species we enjoy today.

Healthy forests, abundant fish and wildlife, productive waters and rich soils are important building blocks of our state. These resources have a tremendous positive impact at the individual, family, community and state levels. Effective management and protection of forest, fish and wildlife resources is critical to our quality of life and economy.

The Department’s mission is: To protect and manage the forest, fish and wildlife resources of the state; to facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about these resources. As we work to fulfill this mission, we recognize that not everyone will always agree with all actions of the Department. However, our commitment continues to increase public input, provide sound resource management, ensure fiscal accountability and maintainconservation areas to encourage public use.

Citizen involvement is an essential component to meeting the Department’s mission. Spending time and interacting with citizens is rewarding and an important priority for the Department. These opportunities allow the sharing and gathering of ideas and information between the agency and public. This interaction is a cornerstone of Missouri’s conservation program.

The Department continues to openly engage citizens as we work to manage resource issues including diseases, invasive species, rare and abundant wildlife, and maintaining infrastructure ranging from boat ramps, shooting ranges, trails, wetlands and nature centers. A few examples of steps taken to help ensure public input include:

Ombudsman, Facebook

Forums and workshops throughout the state

Meetings on conservation topics

Commission meetings held throughout the state

Surveys and opportunities to comment directly in regulation establishment process

I hope our actions demonstrate the value we place on incorporating both biological information and public input as management decisions are made. I encourage you to interact with your conservation department to help ensure the open sharing of ideas and information needed to keep Missouri a leader in forest, fish, and wildlife management.

Please contact the Department with your ideas or comments at mdc.mo.gov/node/3676.

Robert L. Ziehmer, director

Also in this issue

MDC is celebrating the 75th anniversary of putting the state’s citizen-led conservation efforts into action. In this issue, we highlight MDC’s conservation areas and the Department’s other public land stewardship efforts that benefit the state’s people and wildlife.